Stepping up with business help

Stepclever, helps start up businesses and existing organisations in North Liverpool and South Sefton grow and develop, and has introduced two new schemes to encourage even more budding entrepreneurs to improve their business skills.  And, as a result, it is hoped more people will start their own businesses in the more deprived areas of Merseyside.

The Business Mentoring Project aims to develop the skills of entrepreneurs as they learn from someone who has already experienced the ups and downs or the business world.

It helps people who have an achievable business idea and the passion to make it work.  The Stepclever team will recruit existing businessmen and women to become mentors to the budding entrepreneurs.  They will work with individuals to shape their ideas and test it out with potential investors, customers and suppliers so they are ready to launch their business.

The mentors will also help to secure the required investment and give advice on how to maintain a successful company.  They will provide support throughout the process and will also use their existing contacts to help make the business a success.

The Young Enterprise Project is for at 16-25 year olds who have left school or are unemployed.  With the help of one of a team of specially trained coaches, the young people will be encouraged to focus on what they're passionate about and what their options are in terms of education, employment, training and self-employment.

Accredited business training will be offered as well as specialised courses in personal development which will look at how they can improve their presentation and interview skills.

The team also use their extensive network of contacts in order to offer the young people invaluable work experience or job opportunities in relevant industries.

Liverpool City Council's Cabinet Member for regeneration and Stepclever Board Member, Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, said: "Stepclever recognises the importance of inspiring young people and also welcomes local businesses sharing their invaluable expertise.

"Both projects will give people of all ages the confidence and the skills to succeed in the business and vital support to help them succeed during this difficult financial climate.

"Stepclever plays a vital role in the regeneration of more deprived parts of the region and since it began in 2007, it has had a huge amount of success, but these two new initiatives show that we're not resting on our laurels."

To find out more call 0800 030 4376 or go to www.stepclever.co.uk